GRINNELL – Grinnell's 7-play, 80-yard touchdown drive on the game's opening possession held up to the end of Saturday's 7-3 Midwest Conference football battle with the Rams at Rosenbloom Field.
Cornell (3-5 overall, 2-4 MWC) countered Grinnell's TD with a 41-yard field goal by reigning MWC Special Teams Performer of the Week
Mitchell Frahm, cutting the margin to 7-3 with 3:57 left to go in the first quarter.
Both teams were kept scoreless the rest of the contest, which saw Grinnell (5-3 overall, 4-2 MWC) rely on a ball-control running game to snap a 13-game series losing streak against the Rams.
The Pioneers rushed the ball 57 times for 256 yards and held a 13-minute advantage in time of possession. Andre Lopez accounted for 163 rushing yards, including a 13-yard TD less than four minutes in that proved to be the difference.
Cornell's defense limited Grinnell to a mere 13 passing yards on two completions.
The Rams entered the game ranked No. 10 nationally in turnovers gained. On Saturday, they finished minus-2 in the turnover battle, with Grinnell coming away with two interceptions.
Cornell had a 43-yard field goal attempt blocked on the final play of the second quarter. In the second half, the Rams turned the ball over twice on downs and had another drive end with an interception in Grinnell territory.
Freshman running back
Aaron Kolen gave Cornell's offense a spark, rushing for a collegiate-best 70 yards on 13 carries. Kolen also had a 34-yard kickoff return.
Quarterback
Mason Dew finished 13-of-24 passing for 135 yards. His top target was
Cole Reed, who had four receptions for 71 yards.
Senior linebacker
Jamal Thompson recorded a game-high 14 tackles for the Rams.
Hunter Cotten was in on 10 stops.
Caleb Smith and
Mark Ortiz each had one tackle for loss.
Coming up – The Rams host Lawrence (1-6 overall, 1-4 MWC) next Saturday, Oct. 31, for Senior Day in the home finale at Van Metre Field at Ash Park. Kickoff is 1 p.m.
